Episode 99: The Right Way to Fail in Hoops with Brandon Heyen

Welcome back to The Mental Mettle Podcast! In Episode 99, Coach Matt Thomann welcomes Brandon Heyen of Heyen Hoops for a candid, insightful conversation on a topic even the best athletes have to face: failure. But what if failing in basketball isn’t a setback—it’s the secret to real growth on (and off) the court?

Why Failure Matters in Basketball and Beyond

Brandon Heyen knows a lot about basketball success. But he’s just as passionate about what happens when things don’t go right—missed shots, injuries, and all. As he shares in the episode, “the right way to fail” isn’t about accepting defeat; it’s about embracing failure as a launchpad for learning, improvement, and mental toughness.

“Don’t go looking for exposure until you’re ready to get exposed.”
Brandon’s advice is as real as it gets. Today’s players are more skilled and prepared than ever, but the game is faster, stronger, and more demanding. The only way to keep up? Put in the work, acknowledge your weaknesses, and use failure as feedback—not a final verdict.

Key Insights from the Episode

1. Embrace Failure as Fuel for Growth

Brandon and Coach Matt both agree: the best athletes are not those who avoid mistakes, but those who learn from them. Every missed shot, tough loss, or injury is an opportunity to identify what needs work and double down on improvement.

2. Identify and Attack Weaknesses

Are you honest with yourself about your game? The episode dives into how real conversations about your current skill level, physicality, and mindset are essential. Don’t just assume you’re “ready for the next level”—define what you need to do to actually get there.

3. Build Mental Resilience

Brandon’s journey, marked by major injuries and setbacks, could have ended his basketball story. Instead, it shaped his entire approach to coaching. He reminds listeners that adversity, while never easy, is the spark behind perseverance and mental toughness.

4. Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Brandon’s own career was derailed by a serious ankle injury, several surgeries, and a near-loss of mobility. Instead of letting it end his relationship with the game, he used that experience to start Heyen Hoops, mentoring young players and giving them the tools to turn losses into lessons.

5. Create a Supportive Environment

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is the emphasis on the role of coaches, parents, and teammates. When those around you see failure as a tool—not a tragedy—players are free to experiment, take risks, and grow.

Practical Strategies to “Fail the Right Way”

• Reflect after every game or practice: What went wrong? What went right? Use both as fuel.
• Seek honest feedback: Surround yourself with coaches and mentors who tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.
• Set realistic goals: Know the level you’re at and the work required to reach the next one.
• Stay persistent: Treat every setback as temporary—and every improvement, no matter how small, as a win.

Why This Matters for Players, Parents, and Coaches

Whether you’re a player trying to level up, a parent supporting your athlete, or a coach building a winning culture, how you handle failure makes all the difference. This episode of The Mental Mettle Podcast is packed with wisdom and actionable steps to help everyone in the basketball community grow through adversity—not in spite of it.

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about building mental resilience and turning failure into growth?
Check out Heyen Hoops at HeyenHoops.com for skills training and more.

Ready to strengthen your mindset?
Contact Coach Matt Thomann at coachthomann@gmail.com or visit www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.com to schedule a free session.

Episode 99 reminds us: True players aren’t the ones who never fail. They’re the ones who keep showing up, learning, and getting better each time they do.

Listen now for your weekly dose of resilience, growth, and basketball wisdom!

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